Indian Air Force airlifts nano nitrogen

Friday, 5 November 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The crews were received by SLAF Chief of Staff AVM Prasanna Payoe

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) heavy lift aircraft arrived in Sri Lanka in the early hours yesterday with a consignment of nano nitrogen fertiliser on the request of the Government.

The two IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport with 100,000 kg of nano nitrogen. The deployment was essentially to support the Government’s initiative towards organic farming and to expedite availability of nano nitrogen fertiliser to Sri Lankan farmers.

The C17 aircraft operations were coordinated in close liaison with Sri Lanka Air Force. The quick deployment of IAF aircraft and expeditious disembarkation overnight was indicative of close coordination between the two services.

The aircraft crews were received by AVM Prasanna Payoe, Chief of Staff (COS) Sri Lanka Air Force. COS thanked the IAF for their prompt response and continued support in essential matters. It may be recalled that Indian Naval Ship Sarvekshak had undertaken a survey operation off Colombo in June-July for ensuring safety of navigation after the incident onboard MV XPress Pearl. Separately, INS Shakti was deployed for providing 100 T liquid medical oxygen during the fourth wave of the COVID-pandemic.

The Government of India has continued to support Sri Lanka in times of critical requirement as part of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity and role as the ‘First Responder’ in the region.

The two aircraft arrived at BIA with 100,000 kg of nano nitrogen